Andy Williams.....December 3, 1927 - September 25, 2012

Andy Williams started singing on radio stations with his three brothers when he was eight.

Moving to Los Angeles in 1943, the Williams Brothers sang backing vocals on Bing Crosby's 1944 hit record "Swinging On A Star."

Andy Williams went solo in 1953. His career took off after he landed a spot as a regular on Tonight Starring Steve Allen the following year.

Williams signed a contract with Archie Bleyer's Cadence Records in 1955. He achieved his first Top 10 the following year with his third single for the label, "Canadian Sunset."

His 1957 cover of Charlie Gracie's "Butterfly" became his only US chart-topper.

Williams established himself as one of the most popular of all American ballad singers, with a long run of Top 40 hits, including "Can't Get Used to Losing You," "Music To Watch Girls Go By" and "Love Theme From The Godfather."

He sold over 100 million records worldwide. Williams was so popular that at one time he had earned more Gold-certified albums than any solo performer except Frank Sinatra.

He hosted The Andy Williams Show, a television variety show, from 1962 to 1971, which won three Emmy awards for outstanding variety program.

Williams introduced The Osmonds to the world via his variety show. They were regulars from 1962 to 1969.

Williams recorded eight Christmas albums over the years and today he is best known to many for his perennial holiday hit, "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year."